"Wishmaster" from the beginning had a rather difficult position with the press and fans, because it was necessary to outdo the grandiose predecessor "Oceanborn" or at least meet him. Fortunately is 'Wishmaster' this in every way, because Nightwish have mastered this task brilliantly: They have remained true to their musical direction and have even managed to further expand its strengths. Primarily it is noticeable that the singer Tarja Turunen far more space was given for her voice, when it was still on "Oceanborn" the case, you no longer have to fight against the dominant and sometimes chaotic instrumentation, on the contrary. It is aimed from after the song and this is thus much better advantage, as has been demonstrated by the fantastic, energetic opener "She Is My Sin". Even with "Deep Silent Complete" it becomes clear how much the magical voice Tarja is expressed, because the chorus consists solely of a staged by her melody -. Without text understood Moreover, it was this time dispensed almost entirely on male vocals Only at. the outstanding and incredibly powerful song "The Kinslayer" which thematically concerned with the school massacre in Littleton, mixed with a man's voice singing, but does not have a significant part. This harms the board but not, because although it is not quite as hard as the previous, there are still many bombastic Nightwish- hymns, all ahead of the concert favorite and title track "Wishmaster". Even quieter sounds do not miss it, because friends of melancholy Nightwish- titles will surely include the sad "Two For Tragedy" in her heart and at the latest when the beautiful, epic masterpiece "Dead Boy's Poem" are weak. Otherwise, you will find mostly mid-tempo numbers before, such as the beautiful "Come Cover Me "or that somehow harmonious, lovely" Bare Grace Misery ". My personal favorite, however, is clearly the last and at the same time longest song on this record, namely "FantasMic". For more than eight minutes of playing time Nightwish offer their audience a brilliant impression of their skills. It is hard, then calm again, a little playful and total full of surprises. Already own it is worth investing in this album. There dominate the keyboard sounds, which even more are used than "Oceanborn" and give the individual titles a common thread, as for example in the fleets "Wanderlust" the case. This gives the songs structure and makes the album even more appear as a coherent work of art. It is very remarkable that Nightwish could withstand the pressure and have conjured up an equally worthy successor to her masterpiece "Oceanborn" off the cuff. The arrangements are sophisticated, the titles varied, beautiful to look at presentation and Tarja's vocal power is mature and melodious than ever . Fans have the album anyway and friends of "Oceanborn" can be accessed safely. Anyone who thinks that Nightwish have always sounded like the chart-topping "Nemo" will be taught with this board better. The term "better" this speaks volumes. This gem should not be missed. Playing tips: "The Kinslayer", "Dead Boy's Poem", "FantasMic"
